Pope's imprisoned valet now recognizes gravity of offenses

Paolo Gabriele, who was convicted in October for stealing confidential papal documents, has belatedly recognized the damage done by the “Vatileaks” scandal, reports Andrea Tornielli of La Stampa.

Tornielli reports that Gabriele, who had originally said that he leaked papal correspondence “to help the Pope,” was taken aback by a strongly worded statement issued by the Vatican shortly after his conviction. The Pope’s former valet then realized that he had damaged the public standing of the Pontiff and the Holy See.

Gabriele, who is now serving an 18-month prison sentence, is expected to petition Pope Benedict for a pardon.

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